Stimulant Weight Loss

Stimulants are commonly found in weight loss drugs, both prescription and over the counter. They are also prescribed for control of attention disorders, such as attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As the name suggests, these medications stimulate the nervous system in the body, causing several reactions that can lead to weight loss.

Appetite Suppression

• Stimulants cause a suppression in appetite. The lack of hunger reduces total caloric intake. Because weight loss occurs when less calories are consumed than burned, this leads to weight loss.

Increased Metabolism

• Stimulants also affect metabolism. They stimulate caloric burning, which in turn causes weight loss when fewer calories are taken in than the body burns.

Increased Energy Levels

• Because of the nervous system stimulation, alertness and energy levels increase. This makes it easier to work out, or to work out longer. This increase in activity and caloric burning leads to weight loss, especially in combination with the appetite suppressant and metabolism increase effects.

Considerations

• There are many side effects associated with stimulant use. Insomnia, raised blood pressure, heart palpitations and increased heart rate are all common problems with stimulant use. Dizziness, fainting, paranoia and psychosis are other possible side effects. More serious side effects from stimulant use include heart attacks, strokes, coma, respiratory depression, acute hypertension and seizures, as well as death.

Warning

• It is unsafe to take stimulants with certain medical conditions. These conditions include heart problems, arrhythmias or high blood pressure. Using stimulants with these conditions increases the likelihood of serious side effects and death.